Dance Dance Revolution

Sweat the alphabet and dance the digits: come join the revolution!

It’s about that time of year when most of us (except those who are unfairly in perfect shape or have resolutely decided that they don’t care) are making a desperate attempt to shimmy our bodies into shape and get ourselves fit, so as to not look like a humongous beached whale in our bikinis this summer! The run down to summer usually follows the same pattern: we set out with the best intentions of doing regular exercise and eating better, and of course saying ‘no thank you’ to that huge slice of cake that keeps calling to you from the depths of your kitchen cupboards. But sticking to this devotion to ‘being good’ isn’t always as easy as it seems. After the aches and pains set in, and the realisation that broccoli just doesn’t compare to chocolate, it becomes oh so easy to pack everything in and decide you would rather stay as you are – it’s much less work really.

     But getting into shape doesn’t have to be this monotonous, drudging effort. It can in fact… dare I say it…be fun. Allow me to introduce you to Bokwa. Bokwa is an innovative dance fitness program that uses American Hand Sign Language and Bokwa Hand Signs to teach the steps which are specially designed using letters and numbers. All you have to do is follow the signal and dance the letter or number accordingly; it’s that simple – even for the uncoordinated and those who suffer from an unfortunate case of two-left-feet-syndrome! Bokwa is an intense cardiovascular workout that is fun, energetic and offers a range of intensities making it suitable for every fitness level. It’s certainly a far cry from those tedious circuits around the gym, or that laborious five mile run. With its upbeat music, fun and easy to follow dance steps, and its undeniable energy, Bokwa is an exercise regime you will want to keep doing…it really is that fun!

     So if you’re looking to get yourself into shape for your summer holiday, or you’re simply searching for a bit more variety in your fitness program, why not give Bokwa a try and dance yourself to a “healthier, more energetic and happier you!” Get down to a class and dance the alphabet and sweat the digits! Once you’ve tried it, you won’t look back (and you’ll no longer have to pretend that you’re happy with those jiggley bits!).

Here’s a short video that shows you just what this new fitness craze is all about:

Find a class near you here and come join the revolution!

Don't Speak, Don't Think, Just Mess Me Up

Motion City Soundtrack - The Ruby Lounge 20/4/11


Okay, so I haven't had chance to write a proper review of Motion City Soundtrack's latest show but I just wanted to share a few pictures and thoughts because they are awesome and I had a great time. The band came to play Manchester after this city won the bidding war in the competition set up by the band (or as Justin Pierre described it, a sort of 'reality contest!')meaning the place was packed with some of the band's most loyal and enthusiastic fans, which all in all added up to a great atmosphere and a great show!


Here are a few pictures from the night:

Jesse Johnson and Tony Thaxton

Justin Pierre (Looking a bit frightened!)

Justin Pierre and Matt Taylor

So after a night of great music including all the favourites, particularly A Lifeless Ordinary (Need A Little Help), Make Out Kids, and Even If It Kills Me I left feeling upbeat with a big smile on my face...fuelled by the fact that the band showcased their new single True Romance (an exciting hint at what is to come on the new album Go), and of course meeting Justin for a third time outside the venue where he happily signed an autograph and posed for a picture. Swell guy! :)

Can't wait for their new album, I have no doubt it will be fab! If you haven't already, go have a listen to their music...because you're missing out ;)

We're All Fools And Worthless Liars

The Cockpit Leeds 21/4/12

With a completely sold out show ahead of them, it is evident that Deaf Havana are moving up in the world – and if their latest album is anything to go by, it is clear to see why. The largest room in The Cockpit was full to bursting, as fans swarmed together in a bid to get as near as possible to the front. As the band made their way to the stage, they were greeted by an eruption of cheers and screams from the ecstatic and adoring crowd, making it difficult for lead singer James Veck-Gilodi to wipe the huge smile off his face.

     The set kicked off with the forceful and energetic Leeches, sending the crowd into a po-going frenzy and prompting a breakout of synchronised clapping – let’s just say the atmosphere in the room was far from dull. The band then effortlessly weaved their way into tracks The World Or Nothing and Right Now I’m Anyone’s, before taking a breather to address the fans. Singer James Veck-Gilodi wasted no time in expressing his excitement to be back in Leeds, and was seemingly delighted to be playing a much larger venue than on previous visits to the city. His cheeky charisma kept fans entertained in between songs whilst he revealed the band would be returning later in the year, again in a much bigger venue, so it’s fair to say that these guys are definitely doing something right.

     The band continued the set with the anthemic I Will Try, an undeniable crowd pleaser that prompted a mass sing-a-long, followed by older hits Another Day In This House and Friends Like These.  The majority of the songs, however, were taken from the latest album Fools And Worthless Liars, with songs Anemophobia and Little White Lies being received with particularly fervent enthusiasm as fans practically snatched the words from singer James leaving him to simply look on in amazement. The set closed with the irresistibly catchy The Past Six Years and Fifty Four leaving the band to go out on a high knowing that their new album has gone down an absolute storm. Keep a look out for these guys; they’re definitely ones to watch.


**As seen in The Motion Online**

Check out some videos from the show:

Let's Question Everything

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I Feel It In My Bones

Bones - Young Guns

After the runaway success of their first album All Our Kings Are Dead, Young Guns certainly had a lot riding on album number two. It could be a question of make or break for the band, and with such high expectations weighing on their shoulders, they had a lot riding on this. But as anyone who has heard the new record will probably agree, Young Guns have risen to the challenge and delivered a stunner.

     Album opener I Was Born, I Have Lived, I Will Surely Die kicks things off with abrupt force.  The guitars and vocals on this track are huge, giving listeners no doubt that these guys mean business: they have something to say and they’re making sure that you damn well listen. Melodic and catchy Dearly Departed follows, along with title track Bones, which is undeniably one of the most stand out songs on album. Its somewhat tentative opening soon erupts into an enormous explosion of guitars and spiralling riffs, accompanied by the soaring vocals of lead singer Gustav Wood. The sheer passion in which the chorus is delivered, together with the repeated echoing chants of ‘Bones’ from the rest of the band, this track simply screams stadium anthem. Indeed, the album on the whole seems tailor made for stadium settings and it has all the ingredients to knock the band out of those smaller venues and into the big ones.

     Other noteworthy tracks include Towers (On My Way), Brother In Arms and the deeply infectious Learn My Lesson, which was the band’s first single release from the new album. If there is one thing that is notable about this record it is its solidarity. Every song is delivered with the same vigour ensuring the album doesn’t lose pace and listeners are kept on their toes. This band seem to have a knack for consistency; there simply isn’t a dull track. With its deliciously infectious hooks, foot-stomping beats and passionate chant-worthy vocals, Young Guns have secured their status as a kick-ass rock band ready to catapult into the big-time. If you haven’t already, go out and get this album: it’s a killer.

Check out their new video for title track Bones:

**As seen in The Motion Online**

Make Room We're Taking Over Here

Panic! At The Disco – O2 Academy Leeds 26/01/12

With a completely sold out show ahead of them, Panic! At The Disco certainly had quite a performance to deliver. But with the buzz of excitement and anticipation from the awaiting crowd, and the pretty spectacular stage set, the band looked set for a great start. And of course they didn’t disappoint.

     Kicking off with Ready To Go (Get Me Out My Mind), one of their most deliciously infectious, energetic hits, the crowd simply erupted. It seemed frontman, Brendon Urie, couldn’t contain himself either as he delighted danced around the stage like a man possessed. The party vibe continued with But It’s Better If You Do, followed by the anthemic Ballad of Mona Lisa, which went down a storm. The songs were delivered with an inescapable enthusiasm and undeniable ease, providing a seamless performance. However, singer Brendon Urie is quite simply the star of the show. Dressed in a rather dapper little waistcoat and shirt, complete with braces and a dazzling red tie, he doesn’t exactly look like your typical rock star. But he certainly oozed star quality on stage. He did everything from playing the guitar, the drums, keyboard, piano, to singing, dancing and even back flipping. Indeed he certainly gave fans their money’s worth in performance, whilst winning them over with his undeniable charm. Although his understanding of the northern accent left little to be desired, as he unwittingly interpreted the crowd’s chants of “Yorkshire! Yorkshire!” as being “you’re s**t!” You couldn’t help but laugh at the relief on his face upon discovering what fans were actually shouting…bless him! 

     The band weaved their way through a string of hits, including Let’s Kill Tonight, Hurricane and New Perspective, but it was the 2006 hit I Write Sins Not Tragedies which was noticeably well received. The crowd eagerly snatched the opening verse from Urie, leaving him to stand beaming with a rather proud and somewhat astounded look on his face. Returning to the stage for the encore, the Las Vegas four-piece delivered yet another delightfully catchy, upbeat number with Time To Dance, followed by an incredible cover of I Believe In A Thing Called Love by The Darkness. Urie then treated fans to a cover of Let’s Get It On, which it has to be said he did spectacularly, displaying his incredible vocal ability and managing to hit notes which would rival the Bee Gees. 

     As the show came to an end with the foot-stomping vibes of Nearly Witches (Ever Since We Met…), you simply couldn’t help but smile after a night filled with deliciously charming and euphoric music, delivered by a band with an inescapable likeability and charisma about them.


**As seen in The Motion Online**

Some videos from the show: